Proud and loving father, devoted husband, encouraging teacher and larger than life to all who knew him. David was the principal of the Glenlyon Norfolk Middle School. At the age of 47, after sixteen months of a battle with Glioblastoma handled with grace and dignity, David died. He will forever be in our hearts. David was a highly respected educator, who led by example and put others first. He had a sense of adventure that gave him many opportunities, teaching and administering schools in British Columbia and Ontario. David was an adored camp leader in both day and residential camps. He loved the outdoors and especially had passions for canoeing, rowing and running which he shared enthusiastically with family and friends. David is survived by his wife, Jill; children, Patrick, Cameron and Christopher. Predeceased by his mother, Karen. Also survived by his father, Colin and stepmother Sherrill; sister, Beth and husband David Burrows; stepbrothers Andrew and Tyler Walker, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins with whom he shared quality time.
There will be a private family service, followed by a memorial celebration of his life in Victoria. This will take place at the Beach Drive Campus (1701 Beach Drive) of the Glenlyon Norfolk School at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 9th. There will also be a celebration of his life on Friday, October 16 at 2:00 pm at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, 230 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario. In the expression of sympathy, donations would be appreciated to the David Graham Family Trust, c/o Michael Newediuk, 2058 Kipling Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M9W 4J9.
62 Responses
Dave was a rare gem of a person. I can only imagine how deeply he will be missed as a husband, father, son and brother. My deepest condolences to you his family.
I will cherish memories of endless ball hockey games on Lytton and Cortleigh, squash lessons at the Granite Club and many great times at UCC with Dave. He had a joyous enthusiasm for everything he did and an infectious get-up-and-go that will live in all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. Dave’s many achievements and accomplishments, yet always gracious demeanor, deep respect for each day, and endless energy to inspire the best in people will for all time embody true understated modesty, selflessness and humility. In the years to come, this legacy will be an enduring inspiration not only to you, but also the many friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched and enriched.
In the meantime, you have suffered an immense loss. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of Dave’s many friends and acquaintances.
Sincerely,
Grant
Jill and family,
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. I know that mere words can not provide much help to you right now, but we just wanted you to know how much we care.
Our deepest sympathies,
Lisa Mialkowsky, Courtenay and Alexander Wilson
Dear Jill, Patrick, Cam, Christy and Tiva,
What a wonderful tribute to David. HIs love and commitment to all who knew him will NEVER be forgotten. His life was short but his legacy is eternal.
Much love,
Miriam, James and Nova
Jill, Patrick, Cameron and Christopher,
I was so sad to hear about the loss of David. It’s been many years since we last saw you on the slopes at Devil’s Elbow, but our thoughts have been with you over the years, and are most definitely with you now.
Colin, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers in recent months.
All my strength
I will always remember running, cycling, swimming and especially rowing with Dave. I remember going to a race in Ottawa where we were going to race in a double together. It was much colder than we had planned, so we went to a store and got women’s stockings. We may not have won but we had the best legs in the race and had such a good time.
I will never forget the good times we had together.
He was a great man.
We are so sad to hear of the passing of David. Our daughter Nicole Mitchell was in Scott House while Jill was housemistress in 1999-2000. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Jill
I have been following Dave’s journey through Sara Adamson and would like to offer my deepest sympathy to you and the boys on your huge loss. Although Dave’s fight is now over I know that his lessons will live on through his students, his children and to all whose lives he touched. His life was too short but it was oh so grand. Keep strong.
My best,
Marie (Pringle) Bates
Principal
CGS, Toronto
David was Steward of Scaddings House when I entered grade 9 at UCC. I joined rowing partly due to his encouragement and we had a really good Schoolboy that year. David’s senior lightweight crew was extraordinarily fast and my novice crew was carried along by their success.
Somehow I ended up as Steward of Scaddings a few years later and I leaned on David’s example when I could. To this day I can still hear his words and see his smile.
Many years later I was coaching at Hanlan when David made his comeback year: at Canadian Henley he won the 145-lb single. I don’t think I gave him much help; as his friends well know, his enthusiasm and positive outlook are more than enough to get him across the finish line in style. Mostly I remember his independence and his support for my coaching (once a house head, always a house head!).
David called me years later to congratulate me on a job I had landed. Thank you David for your thoughtfulness and leadership: you are an extraordinary person and I will miss you often.
Dear Jill:
I had heard through many of David’s friends that he was not well, but it was still a shock to learn of his death. It has been many years since I last saw David, but my memories of him are still strong. He was a caring and trusting person, and, most of all, a gentleman.
I wish you and your sons my deepest condolences, and strength in the years ahead.
God Bless
Don Cranston